Catalyst • Junior Secondary Curriculum • Handbook 2021
Discovery
Course Year 9
Computer Science
Computer Science is a course that has been designed
to increase students’ skill levels in a number of areas.
It is a course that students can continue all the way
through to tertiary level and develops excellent skills in
the use of ICT and developing applications. Computer
Science is about problem solving. Thus, the qualities of
a good computer scientist include a passion for finding
elegant solutions, an ability to use mathematical
analysis and logical rigour to evaluate such solutions,
creativity in modelling complex problems through the
use of abstractions, attention to details and hidden
assumptions, an ability to recognise variants of the
same problem in different settings, and being able to
retarget known efficient solutions to problems in new
settings. If you like to solve puzzles, then Computer
Science is for you!
Key topics include:
• Understanding the role of hardware and software
in managing, controlling and securing data
• Investigating different methods of manipulation,
storage and transmission of data
• Exploring different techniques for acquiring,
storing and validating data
• Designing the user experience of a digital system
• Designing algorithms for given challenges
• Using trace methods to test algorithms
• Implementing and applying data storage and
organisation techniques
• Creating and using interactive solutions for
sharing ideas and information
• Using the design process to investigate, design,
create and evaluate digital solutions.
For additional details about the Discovery Technology
courses, please contact:
Mr Marco Tolomei
Head of Design and Technology
(08) 9377 9276
[email protected]
Discovery
Course Year 9
Creative Photography
This a course that has been designed to increase
students’ creativity and skill levels in digital
photography. It is a course that allows students to
develop their knowledge and use of a DSLR camera
as well as the manipulation of features including the
experimentation of aperture and shutter.
Key topics include:
• Understanding how to manipulate camera
features to change results
• Developing a portfolio of items that illustrate the
different features
• Using tripods, lighting and back drops to create
effective photographs
• Creating lighting plans to maximise time and
equipment
• Investigating ethical and moral obligations of
creating and publishing photographs
• Learning how to use software to manipulate and
touch up photographs
• Using filters and other technology available
• Learning how to maximise features for studio and
outdoor
For additional details about the Discovery Technology
courses, please contact:
Mr Marco Tolomei
Head of Design and Technology
(08) 9377 9276
[email protected]
41